HENDERSON, Ky. (5/6/13) – Henderson County High School’s Project Graduation is a community supported drug and alcohol free event for the current 2013 graduating class. Nearly 325 students are expected to attend this year’s Project Graduation celebration.

Project Graduation is scheduled for May 24 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the high school. It’s set to coincide with the Henderson County High School graduation ceremony, which will take place earlier in the evening.

Activities for the evening will include: karaoke, a D.J., bungee run, sumo wrestling, casino night, and, of course, plenty of food, soft drinks, and lemon shake ups. A multitude of prizes is given away at Project Graduation each year. Last year more than 85% of the graduating class attended. There were approximately 200 senior guests and 120 volunteers.

Project Graduation has been in place for 25 years, and this year’s co-chairs for the event are Henderson County High School’s College Coach, Rachel Heath, and North Middle School Language Arts teacher, Cathy Thrasher. Board members include Kelly and Leanne Meuth (coordinating food), Lynn Dawson (coordinating prizes), Angela Comer (coordinating games), and Lawrence and Theresa Thomas (coordinating security).

“I am proud to be a small part of an extremely well run program that honors our students. The real recognition belongs to them and the community that steps up to donate in order for it to happen. Since the cost of the event is almost $20,000 it truly takes everyone to make it a success,” said Thrasher.

The event is supported by donations from the community, fundraising efforts such as BINGO, as well as a donation of $3 per student from the Henderson County Board of Education. Every senior who attends will leave with a prize valued at $10.00. Additionally, various seniors will win larger prizes such as iPads, Nooks, Kindles, refrigerators, flat screen TVs and three cash prizes- one $3,000 prize and two $1,000 prizes.

Henderson County High School seniors interested in attending the event can purchase tickets at the high school bookstore for $3 in advance or $5 on the night of the event. Seniors may bring a guest who is at least 16 years of age. A guest ticket must be purchased in advanced at the bookstore for $5.